Following last weekend’s 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton, it’s perhaps no surprise that Sunderland have moved to add some defensive cover to their ranks.

French full-back Anthony Reveillere had in fact been on trial with Gus Poyet’s side since the international break but, having now signed a short-term deal until the end of the season, could be available when the Black Cats host Arsenal on Saturday if he receives his international clearance in time.

Aged 34, the 20-times capped international had been without a club since leaving Napoli on a free transfer this summer, and will now compete for the right-back spot with summer addition Billy Jones and Santiago Vergini, who has recently been deputising at the position after being brought in as a centre-back.

Having made his professional debut with Rennes, Reveillere would go on to win five Ligue 1 titles during 10 years at Lyon before spending one season in Serie A, and Poyet believes his experience will make the transition to English football a relatively easy one.

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.